Author: Reema Abbasi
Photographs: Madiha Aijaz
Publisher: Niyogi Books, New Delhi
(Pp 296, ISBN 978-93-83098-49-1)
As long as faith is infinite, faiths will be indestructible. The Temples of Pakistan are much more than mere symbols of faith for a religious minority. Not only are they vestiges of ancient lore in Hindu mythology, they also stand like warriors of time; pitted testaments of a peaceful, pluralistic past. The book is a tribute to these wonderful temples.
Elaborately embellished with evocative photographs of antiquated and exquisite Hindu shrines, opulent rituals and festivals and regional populace, the book has extensive research and exceptional pilgrimage sites like Hinglaj, Katas Raj, Kalka Cave Temple, Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir and Shivala Mandir, to name a few. With vivid introductions and sweeping images, the book also presents a celebration of various festivals, celebrated with passion and fervor. One look at the book and you are bound to pick it up. Beautifully printed on art paper, with mesmerizing pictures, the book takes reader on a journey into the lives of Hindus in Pakistan.
- Varsha
Author: Pooja Ruprell
Publisher: Body & Soul Books, an imprint Leadstart Publishing, Mumbai
(Pp 234, ISBN 978-93-81576-15-1, Rs 299)
Passion Perseverance & Prayer is all about everyday guidance and inspiration, juxtaposing the personal with the profound. It is a story, a diary, a guide – 52 inspirational, weekly readings to encourage readers to find beauty, shine and muster to carry on through tough times. It blends everyday experiences and observations with the insights of philosophers.
Divided into 12 themes – one each for each month – the book shows how to be happy, every day. Reader can pick up any topic of his choice and practice it for a month, before moving to another. A beautiful book on the journey of happiness!
- Varsha Verma
Author: Nizam Ahmed
Publisher: BecomeShakespeare.com, Mumbai
(Pp 255, ISBN 978-93-83952-00-7, Rs 195)
Faceless is about a young boy Kabir, who on the verge of committing suicide, realises that he has superpowers. From here, he takes his life forward – to get even with his cunning boss, win back his love and be an admired superhero. Though the story is good and fast-paced, there are a few glitches as well. There are some loose ends in the story. But, overall, it is entertaining.
- Vasu V
Author: Sudhir Mudgal
Publisher: Orient Publishing
(Pp 152, ISBN 9788122205251, Rs 195)
Indian armed forces and its allied services, branches and organisations – all know that laughter is the best medicine. This book is not just a ‘joke’ book; it is a compilation of authentic and uniformed jokes, anecdotes and comic situations in the Indian armed forces. The cover of the book is equally interesting – while a major is falling down, the soldiers are saluting him, instead of helping him. All the jokes are in good humour – incisive, direct and succinct. So if you wish to read something on a lighter note, this one is for you and it is bound to make you smile.
- Varsha Verma
Book Reviews
Author: VK Subramanian
Publisher: Abhinav Publications, New Delhi
(Pp 176, ISBN 9788170174974, Rs 350)
The book is a sequel to the author’s highly popular book – The Holistic Way to Health, Happiness and Harmony. It propounds the philosophy of spiritually oriented, ethical Hedonism is the key to the creation of heaven on earth. It focuses on seven main topics –time management, enrichment of post-retirement life, wisdom for women, opting for optimism, a healthy diet programme, how to fact ultimate certainty – death and solace of spirituality. Written in an easy to understand language, the book will benefit all those who seek direction for enjoying true happiness.
- Vasu V
Author: Amar Chandel
Publisher: Konark Publishers Pvt Ltd, New Delhi
(Pp 208, ISBN 9789322008406, Rs 295)
One look at the book and one is bound to pick it up – the title Stress to Serenity immediately attracts and even the title cover makes you feel at peace. It’s not just the look but the content is also very promising. Who is not stressed in this fast-pace, busy and competitive life? But, stress is not just about external factors. Infact, it just depends 20 percent on the external environment but the other 80 percent is the result of how we react to persons, places or situations. The key to moving from stress to serenity is observing and modifying one’s own thinking process and responses. This is just what the book teaches you. Aided with beautiful illustrations, handy exercises, examples and case studies, it’s a must-read book for people of all ages.
- Varsha Verma
Author: Suman Agarwal
Publisher: Jaico Publishing House, Mumbai
(Pp 202, ISBN 978-81-8495-566-8, Rs 496)
The first and foremost lesson in weight loss is eating right. But, that does not mean you need to eat only steamed vegetables and roughage. You can actually eat scrumptious food and yet be healthy. The author Suman Agarwal is a nutritionist and founder of Selfcare. She tells readers how good, fresh food can be deliciously prepared. The book is all you will need to transform the way you eat and feel. It contains around 80 recipes to take care of every meal of the week and every craving you might have. Each recipe comes with a complete nutritional breakdown, as well as tips and techniques that will keep you eating smart. Full-colour picture of the recipe actually makes to try these healthy foods.
- Varsha Verma
